Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Energy spokesperson
Hydro Tasmania will struggle to maintain our state’s hydro-electricity network under its existing maintenance budget over the next decade. The current maintenance crisis is the result of underspending by successive governments on our energy security.
Our hydro-electric infrastructure is built to last, but proper maintenance has to be continued.
Today, the Energy Minister blamed Hydro's spiralling maintenance problems on the previous government's underspend. This doesn't explain or excuse why the Liberals came to office and raised Hydro's dividend to 90% of profits, effectively plundering their maintenance kitty.
The Greens have long been raising serious concerns about the State's long-term energy security. We established the first independent review of Tasmania's energy sector in the last term of government.
Hydro's financial viability should be referred to the Auditor General for an independent assessment. Tasmanians need to know there's money to pay for the works that will keep their power on.
We can't afford to sacrifice Tasmania's substantial, world-class hydro assets. It's Minister Groom's responsibility to make sure Tasmanians have a secure energy supply into the future.